{"id":1605428,"date":"2025-12-11T17:05:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T22:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/observer.com\/?post_type=listicle&#038;p=1605428"},"modified":"2025-12-15T11:25:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:25:31","slug":"best-books-for-artists-and-creatives","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Artsy Reads Guaranteed to Jump-Start Your Creativity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>While I\u2019m of the opinion that every book is a work of art, not all entail or inspire the same level of artistry. The best books have a way of setting you a\u2019dream, whether through their story, construction, information or general mood, or through some blend that\u2019s harder to name. They\u2019re also the titles that linger, the ones you return to when you need a spark\u2014or when you want a thoughtful gift for the creatives in your life. The following titles are such yarns. Some are novels, others are nonfiction and still others defy definition, but all in their own ways offer the kind of inspiration that can conjure the creative muse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__container\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__title\">\n\t\t\tThe best books for creatives\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#my-work-by-olga-ravn\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018My Work\u2019 by Olga Ravn\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#solitary-fitness-by-charles-salvador-bronson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Solitary Fitness&#8217; by Charles Salvador Bronson\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#blind-spot-by-teju-cole\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blind Spot\u2019 by Teju Cole\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#the-moon-and-sixpence-by-w-somerset-maugham\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Moon and Sixpence\u2019 by W. Somerset Maugham\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#the-letters-of-vincent-van-gogh\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh\u2019\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#i-seem-to-be-a-verb-by-buckminster-fuller\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018I Seem to Be a Verb\u2019 by Buckminster Fuller\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#do-the-work-by-steven-pressfield\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Do the Work\u2019 by Steven Pressfield\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#will-there-ever-be-another-you-by-patricia-lockwood\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Will There Ever Be Another You\u2019 by Patricia Lockwood\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#the-infernal-desire-machines-of-doctor-hoffman-by-angela-carter\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman\u2019 by Angela Carter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#saul-leiter-the-centennial-retrospective\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Saul Leiter: the Centennial Retrospective\u2019\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"my-work-by-olga-ravn\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018My Work\u2019 by Olga Ravn\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#my-work-by-olga-ravn\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018My Work\u2019 by Olga Ravn' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Since reading it two years ago, there\u2019s no book I recommend more frequently than Ravn\u2019s deeply introspective \u201cnovel\u201d <em>My Work<\/em>. I use the quotes because while it is partially fictional, it also careens between memoir, poetry, essay, correspondence, dialogue and newspaper headlines as it explores the struggles of giving birth, being a wife and creating art in a world that seems to be going crazy. It probes one of the great questions that plagues every artist: how can I balance my art with my responsibilities?<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/My-Work-by-Olga-Ravn.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=806\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;My Work&#8217; by Olga Ravn.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy New Directions\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"solitary-fitness-by-charles-salvador-bronson\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Solitary Fitness&#8217; by Charles Salvador Bronson\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#solitary-fitness-by-charles-salvador-bronson\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&#039;Solitary Fitness&#039; by Charles Salvador Bronson' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">The book I\u2019ve recommended most frequently over the past decade<em> <\/em>may come off as a weird choice for a list of the best artsy books. Widely considered the most dangerous prisoner in the U.K. due to his propensity toward violence and hostage-taking, Charles Bronson has spent the majority of the past 50 years in solitary confinement. But he\u2019s also a world fitness champion and celebrated artist who recently adopted the name \u201cSalvador\u201d in honor of his hero, Dali. <em>Solitary Fitness <\/em>is ostensibly about his prison fitness routine, but spans so much more. From his hallucinatory drawings to motivational advice to tips on building a stronger penis or pelvic floor, it\u2019s a uniquely inspiring read.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/Solitary-Fitness-by-Charles-Salvador-Bronson.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=809\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Solitary Fitness&#8217; by Charles Salvador Bronson.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy John Blake\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"blind-spot-by-teju-cole\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blind Spot\u2019 by Teju Cole\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#blind-spot-by-teju-cole\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018Blind Spot\u2019 by Teju Cole' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Few books crack open the concept of art quite like Teju Cole\u2019s singular fusion of photo essay, diary, prose and poem. From Lagos to New York, Switzerland to Berlin, Capri to Ubud and so on, Cole\u2019s images and words seem to reveal the entirety of human experience, from our most insignificant moments to our grandest sufferings and aspirations. It makes you consider photography and the novel format in entirely new ways and will help push your art in innovative directions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/Blind-Spot-by-Teju-Cole.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Blind Spot&#8217; by Teju Cole.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Random House\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"the-moon-and-sixpence-by-w-somerset-maugham\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Moon and Sixpence\u2019 by W. Somerset Maugham\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#the-moon-and-sixpence-by-w-somerset-maugham\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018The Moon and Sixpence\u2019 by W. Somerset Maugham' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">One of Maugham\u2019s lesser-known works, <em>The Moon and Sixpence<\/em> is not only about the artistic life but portrays it in a singularly vivid manner via the author\u2019s gorgeous descriptions. Its protagonist\u2014whose life is notably similar to notorious artist Paul Gauguin\u2019s\u2014abandons his stable, sensible existence in England to pursue his painterly dreams. The final sequence describing his murals is among the most stunningly beautiful writing you\u2019ll ever read.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/The-Moon-and-Sixpence-by-W-Somerset-Maugham.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;The Moon and Sixpence&#8217; by W. Somerset Maugham.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPenguin Classics\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"the-letters-of-vincent-van-gogh\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh\u2019\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#the-letters-of-vincent-van-gogh\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh\u2019' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Vincent Van Gogh was a pretty good painter and an even better moodist, but he may have missed his true calling: pouring his illumination and misery onto the written page. In his letters to his brother Theo, Van Gogh exposes his deepest vulnerabilities and exaltations along his frustrated quest for artistic satisfaction. There is something almost divine to his soaring language, and any aspiring artist will find solace in his struggles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/The-Letters-of-Vincent-Van-Gogh.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=762\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;The Letters of Vincent van Gogh&#8217;.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Penguin Classics\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"i-seem-to-be-a-verb-by-buckminster-fuller\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018I Seem to Be a Verb\u2019 by Buckminster Fuller\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#i-seem-to-be-a-verb-by-buckminster-fuller\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018I Seem to Be a Verb\u2019 by Buckminster Fuller' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">What is this book even? Philosophy? An instruction manual for society? A manifesto gone graphic design mad? In <em>I Seem to Be a Verb<\/em>, renowned architect and systems theorist Buckminster Fuller and his collaborators created one of the most singular works ever published. A cut-and-paste exploration of what it means to be human in the modern era, it&#8217;s as creatively uplifting in message as it is creatively disruptive in form.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/I-Seem-to-Be-a-Verb-by-Buckminster-Fuller-e1765490043318.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=441\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;I Seem to Be a Verb&#8217; by Buckminster Fuller.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Gingko\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"do-the-work-by-steven-pressfield\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Do the Work\u2019 by Steven Pressfield\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#do-the-work-by-steven-pressfield\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018Do the Work\u2019 by Steven Pressfield' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Lucky and few are the artists who never encounter resistance on their path to creative realization. In his slim hundred-page tract, novelist Steven Pressfield spurs those of us who are more prone to blockages to overcome that resistance and to sally forth on our way to creative victory. As humorous as it is serious, and insightful as it is playful, <em>Do the Work<\/em> is essential reading for any artist, or really anyone, seeking hard-earned achievement.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/Do-the-Work-by-Steven-Pressfield.png?w=483&#038;quality=80\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Do the Work&#8217; by Steven Pressfield.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Black Irish Entertainment LLC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"will-there-ever-be-another-you-by-patricia-lockwood\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Will There Ever Be Another You\u2019 by Patricia Lockwood\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#will-there-ever-be-another-you-by-patricia-lockwood\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018Will There Ever Be Another You\u2019 by Patricia Lockwood' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Lockwood\u2019s latest novel really nails something particularly troubling about the life of the artist in the post-COVID age. It follows a young woman\u2019s descent into madness as she attempts to write a novel and navigate the personal and social insanities of the early 2020s, all while grappling with the challenges of long COVID. Its protagonist is engaged in an attempt to \u201cwrite a masterpiece about being confused,\u201d and many are saying that Lockwood herself achieved precisely that.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/Will-There-Ever-Be-Another-You-by-Patricia-Lockwood.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;Will There Ever Be Another You&#8217; by Patricia Lockwood.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Riverhead Books\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"the-infernal-desire-machines-of-doctor-hoffman-by-angela-carter\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman\u2019 by Angela Carter\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#the-infernal-desire-machines-of-doctor-hoffman-by-angela-carter\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman\u2019 by Angela Carter' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Angela Carter is a new addition to my reading list, recommended to me by musician Neko Case, and what an excellent, creatively mind-bending addition it was to my bookshelf. Any of Carter\u2019s books will get your imagination flowing, from her updated fairy tales to her more straightforward literature. But I was especially struck by <em>The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman<\/em>, which blends the surrealism of Carrington with the brutality of Burroughs, then sets it against a dystopia that has echoes of Orwell.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/The-Infernal-Desire-Machines-of-Doctor-Hoffman-by-Angela-Carter.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=782\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8216;The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman&#8217; by Angela Carter.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Penguin Publishing Group\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"saul-leiter-the-centennial-retrospective\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Saul Leiter: the Centennial Retrospective\u2019\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/#saul-leiter-the-centennial-retrospective\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '\u2018Saul Leiter: the Centennial Retrospective\u2019' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">\u2018Saul Leiter: the Centennial Retrospective\u2019<br>To mark the 100th birthday of photographer Saul Leiter, Thames &amp; Hudson has put together an absolutely gorgeous Centennial Retrospective looking over his career. An influential member of the New York school of photography typically associated with the 1940s and \u201850s, Leiter\u2019s lens captures the beauty in ordinary scenes abstracted through his dazzling perspective. This is no mere coffee table book, but a powerful collection that speaks to the everyday art we tend to miss around us.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/Saul-Leiter-Centennial.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=839\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Saul Leiter: the Centennial Retrospective\u2019.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy Thames &amp; Hudson\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes all you need to do to summon the muse is open a good book.<\/p>\n <a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":177935309,"featured_media":1605472,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"post_tag":[],"company":[],"channel":[177,423806452],"location":[],"nyo_column":[],"person":[423807720,423876512,423900728,423901979,423939976,423969703,423987764,423991650,423993920,424004995,423936912],"coauthor":[423978474],"class_list":{"0":"post-1605428","1":"listicle","2":"type-listicle","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"channel-arts","7":"channel-books","8":"nyo_person-vincent-van-gogh","9":"nyo_person-neko-case","10":"nyo_person-buckminster-fuller","11":"nyo_person-charles-bronson","12":"nyo_person-teju-cole","13":"nyo_person-patricia-lockwood","14":"nyo_person-paul-gauguin","15":"nyo_person-theo-van-gogh","16":"nyo_person-angela-carter","17":"nyo_person-olga-ravn","18":"nyo_person-saul-leiter"},"acf":{"homepage_position":"","homepage_title":"","homepage_excerpt":"","alternate_list_left_right":true},"apple_news_notices":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-books-for-artists-and-creatives\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":[],"rendered":"","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/observer.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1605428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listicle"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177935309"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1605428\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1606001,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1605428\/revisions\/1606001"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1605472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1605428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"observer_company","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/company?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"channel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/channel?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_column","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/nyo_column?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_person","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person?post=1605428"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthor?post=1605428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}